The Daily Dirt, September 5: Taking Care of Business

Labor Day typically signifies the end of summer. For Atlanta United fans, it signifies that things are getting real as we head into the last fall without a team on the field.

The academy is now underway, the players of tomorrow are wearing Atlanta United colors and playing real matches. Kids will develop out of these roots and become the next superstars in the city. The next generation will have local role models to idolize and follow.

MLS will soon announce the procedures for this year’s expansion draft in December. Atlanta United should know by the end of this month if they will be picking first or second in the expansion draft, SuperDraft, and who will have the top spot in the allocation ranking.

The hiring of a manager, based on recent comments from members of the front office, should be in the near future. We’re sure there will be plenty of twists and turns along that journey in the coming weeks.

It’s starting to come together folks. April 16, 2014 seems like a long time ago now when Atlanta was announced for MLS. Labor Day weekends from now on will include discussion about Atlanta United.

Domestic

Our thoughts are with former USWNT star Lauren Holiday (Stars and Stripes FC)

USWNT star Megan Rapinoe kneels during the national anthem at Seattle’s NWSL game (Sounder at Heart)

Will the presence of Kenwyne Jones change how the USMNT approach the game Tuesday? (MLS)

Highlights from Jurgen Klinsmann’s Facebook Live Q&A yesterday (MLS)

A look at the last week in MLS and where things stand in the playoff race (MLS)

Seb Hines is “living the dream” in MLS and Orlando (Gazette Live)

The Galaxy face off against LAFC for the first time on the field (MLS)

International

Wayne Rooney does what he wants (Guardian)

Rangers vs. Celtic to be aired on Fox Sports 1 (World Soccer Talk)

Local

Georgia loses 2-0 to Iowa State at the Auburn Soccer Classic (UGA)

Georgia State’s women lose on the road to Western Kentucky (Bowling Green Daily News)